Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Tax Considered For Dogs, Cops And Sirens (cont)

, talking about the GPD, told the council of the accident (see related story) involving one of his officers.

He said the 1992 Chevy patrol car was totaled in the wreck, but no one was seriously injured. LeAndra Jester suffered a slight neck injury, he said, while Michael Dillard has a stiff leg.

Childres said the accident was the officer's fault, as he was following too close and not paying attention.

Smith said the police car is covered under the city's insurance policy, but it is not known how much the city will be reimbursed for the vehicle. The city paid $15,000 for the car new.

In addition, he said, the city's liability insurance will cover the costs incurred by the victims.

For the Parks and Recreation report, Smith said the city has installed two new beach volleyball courts along with two horseshoe pits.

The work was done by the street department, and the pits and courts are already being utilized by Gurdon area residents.

Smith, in the mayor's report, said the city has been approved for a grant from the Department of Justice to help offset overtime.

The grant will be for $5,250. Smith said the city will go ahead and pay officers for overtime and apply for reimbursement under the grant.

Also, he said, the city has applied for a $15,000 grant to help establish a rescue unit for the southern part of the county.

The city was approached by Tiger Griffin, with the Gurdon Baseball Association, who asked for help with getting a light at the baseball park to help cut down on vandalism.

He said it would cost about $30 per month to operate and maintain the light, which would be a 400 watt high pressure sodium light with an on/off switch. The light, he said, would be turned off during baseball games so as not to interfere with the players.

The council agreed to go ahead with the project. It also agreed to help with weedeating chores at the ball park, so long as members of the GBA call and ask for help.

As the meeting wore on, Jeff Barr, with the Arkansas Department of Health, talked about the city's need to adopt a mechanical code ordinance.

The mechanical code, he said, would give the city's code enforcement officer (Hurst), the authority to inspect all heating and air conditioning installations, along with all new construction.

The council agreed to pass the first reading of a proposed mechanical code ordinance, and will address the issue again at its May meeting. This is being done to give the public the opportunity to voice its opinion on the topic.

In its final act of business, the council approved Don Moorehead as a member of the Gurdon Personnel Policy Committee. He joins David Williams, Carroll Coston and Jones, who volunteered to be the council's representative to the panel.

However, Smith pointed out Coston will likely be leaving, and a replacement for him will be needed soon. He asked the council to look for someone who is knowledgeable and would be reliable to fill the slot when it opens.